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The Rose
Fragrant rose stands alone
Protected by her thorns
Facing winds, pests, disease
Surrounded by her peers
By herself in a group
She meets her fate head on
Knowing that all blooms fade
Her time is limited
Bud to bloom, path is set
Each petal will unfold
Sharing joy, beauty’s gift
Revealing what’s inside
We’re unique, talented
Our mission is to use
What we have, who we are
To help our fellow man
Sail on, my Captain
Sixteen years ago I wrote the following lighthearted poem in honor of my husband Roger and two friends, Roger and Mike, who raced our sailboat in the 1998 National Catalina Race held in Westbrook, Connecticut. They took first for the tall rig division in all three races. Yes, readers, the sailboat’s name was Sloopy, the inspiration for the fictional 36 foot sloop that Liz and Garret live aboard in Murder in Mystic, Murder in Newport and Two Headed Snake of Key West. Our Sloopy was fast and my husband could make a mighty Margarita.
I am sharing this with you in memory of my husband, who passed away on July 1, 2014. Sail on, my captain.
The pressure was on
To win a glass cup
Each silently prayed
He wouldn’t screw up
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The guy thing, you know
Machismo, at best
The challenge would come
They’d be put to the test
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The good Lord was laughing
As they hoisted the main.
These three would need blessings,
And more, it was plain
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Wine made from water
Was easy for sure,
But Roger, Mike, Roger
Three races endure?
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The task was immense
But these were nice guys
He raised His arms up
And Sloopy did rise.
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She raced to the finish
Three bullets to boot
Miracles do happen.
There’s proof in the loot.
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The lesson each learned,
To celebrate life
Believe in oneself
Be good to your wife.
Pot of Gold
Lightening streaked across the western sky. Whitecaps smashed against Key West’s Sunset Pier. Thunder exploded deep into my bones. I shuddered, but kept a brave face. Within minutes it was gone, as quickly as it had come. Brilliant sunlight replaced the ominous black clouds. I looked to the East from the safety of my balcony retreat. A soft rainbow arch framed my world. I thought of the pot of gold waiting for me at the end of the rainbow. All my dreams would be fulfilled if I had that pot of gold.
How many of us race through life thinking we would be happy if we were thinner, wealthier, smarter or prettier, ignoring the gifts that are in front of our noses today? I am guilty of being blind to the beautiful roses at the edge of the deck, turning a deaf ear to the birds’ songs, opting to read a self improvement book instead of throwing the ball for the patient pup at my feet and taking for granted the gourmet meal the my husband created to please me.
My elusive pot of gold is intangible. It resonates in my soul. As I strive to learn and grow, I must never forget that with every breath I take, I am living the dream now in the world that I have created.
Margarita Recipe
Garret’s Key West Margarita
Fresh squeezed juice of 6 Key Limes
1 jigger of silver tequila
1 jigger of Triple Sec
1 jigger of Rose’s lime juice
Shake vigorously. Pour over ice.
Float ½ jigger of Grand Marnier on top
Enjoy! Repeat as needed!